Patient Resources
Every day, women just like you across Pennsylvania reach out to the PA Breast Cancer Coalition with questions about breast cancer. Since January 2009, we helped 86 women with their concerns.
A majority of callers were uninsured or underinsured women who needed mammograms and were referred to the Pennsylvania Department of Health's HealthyWoman Program, or needed breast cancer treatment and were referred to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania’s Breast and Cervical Cancer Prevention and Treatment program (BCCPT).
Many more consulted with the PBCC's Patient Advocate about insurance coverage, disability, Family Medical Leave, employment issues, or simply needed someone to listen to their concerns.
We can be a resource for you, help you navigate your way through an insurance maze, or simply listen to your concerns. You are not alone. The PBCC is here for you, just like we were for these women and countless others…
Do you know about important resources not listed here?
We welcome your input. Please send details, including your contact information, to Info@PABreastCancer.org.
The PBCC also advocates for women in Pennsylvania through state legislative initiatives. To learn about PBCC legislative victories that are making a real difference in the lives of women with breast cancer, click here. Return to top
A majority of callers were uninsured or underinsured women who needed mammograms and were referred to the Pennsylvania Department of Health's HealthyWoman Program, or needed breast cancer treatment and were referred to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania’s Breast and Cervical Cancer Prevention and Treatment program (BCCPT).
Many more consulted with the PBCC's Patient Advocate about insurance coverage, disability, Family Medical Leave, employment issues, or simply needed someone to listen to their concerns.
We can be a resource for you, help you navigate your way through an insurance maze, or simply listen to your concerns. You are not alone. The PBCC is here for you, just like we were for these women and countless others…
Liudmila of Sharon Hill, PA- "I can't believe how well I was treated."
Marcellaof Easton, PA - "They were supportive and knowledgeable."
Claudette of Red Lion, PA - "My fears were eliminated."
|
Click the links below for answers to these questions...
|
|
| No insurance and need a mammogram... |
|
If you are between the ages of 40 and 64, you may qualify for a screening mammogram, clinical breast exam and Pap test through the PA Department of Health’s HealthyWoman program. Your annual income must be within 250% of poverty, or 27,075 for a single person household or 55,125 for a family of four, for example. Call 1-800-215-7494 to apply. Return to top
|
|
You may be able to get FREE TREATMENT through the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania’s Breast and Cervical Cancer Prevention and Treatment program (BCCPT). Women who qualify for this coverage can receive free coverage (except for nominal copayments), including healthcare for medical needs unrelated to the cancer diagnosis, throughout their course of their treatment for breast or cervical cancer. For more information visit the PBCC’s BCCPT web page or call 1-800-215-7494. Return to top
|
|
The Patient Assistance Program Clearinghouse on the Pennsylvania Department of Aging website provides a comprehensive listing of prescription programs in Pennsylvania. Return to top |
|
The Patient Advocate Foundation has a Co-Pay Relief program. To qualify, you must have insurance that pays for a portion of the prescription bill. Application is through www.copays.org or 1-866-512-3861. Return to top
|
|
The PBCC’s guidebook “Breast Cancer: Covered or Not?” can be downloaded for free and was created to answer many of your questions, including what insurers are required to cover. You may appeal any denial of coverage from your insurer, and the guidebook provides sample letters. The Pennsylvania Insurance Department also answers insurance-related questions and hears complaints. Reach them on their automated toll-free hotline at 1-877-881-6388. Harrisburg - 717-787-2317 Pittsburgh - 412-565-5020 Philadelphia - 215-560-2630 Return to top |
These organizations offer emergency financial assistance, with some restrictions:
|
|
Network of Strength at www.networkofstrength.org (formerly known as Y-Me National Breast Cancer Organization) is committed to offering wigs and breast prostheses for women with limited resources. Affiliates throughout the country facilitate local Wig & Prosthesis Banks, often with salons where women can try on items before taking them home. Call the 24-hour Network of Strength Hotline at 1-800-221-2141 to speak with a peer counselor about receiving a wig or prosthesis. In the Pittsburgh area, within 412 and 724 area codes, Hair Peace Charities offers $100 vouchers paid directly to the salon for a cancer patient. Contact them at www.hairpeace.org or 412-327-5177. Some, but not all, insurance policies cover the cost of wigs if the request is from a physician and worded as a “cranial prosthesis.” Return to top |
|
The PA Health Law Project offers advice and advocacy on access to health care for low-income consumers, the elderly, and persons with disabilities. Contact them at www.phlp.org or 1-800-274-3258. Return to top
|
|
The Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) applies to taking care of yourself as well as others. To qualify, your place of employment must have 50 or more employees and you must have worked there for at least 12 consecutive months. The act requires your employer to provide 12 workweeks of unpaid leave time. Details are on the Department of Labor website. Return to top |
|
The PBCC would like to send you one of our Friends Like Me™ care packages, at absolutely no cost to you. Your package will include important and timely information about breast cancer treatment, as well as a PBCC pink ribbon pin and gifts such as cosmetics and books. Simply complete the request form. Friends Like Me™ care packages are made possible through the generosity of individual donors, corporate sponsors, and the efforts of our Grassroots Partners. Return to top
|
We welcome your input. Please send details, including your contact information, to Info@PABreastCancer.org.
The PBCC also advocates for women in Pennsylvania through state legislative initiatives. To learn about PBCC legislative victories that are making a real difference in the lives of women with breast cancer, click here. Return to top
Copyright © 2011 PA Breast Cancer Coalition
Website Design & Development by Mile 6, LLC